Independent Care Assessment, Planning, Brokerage & Review for Self-Funders
If you or a loved one are funding your own care due to assets or income above £23,250, navigating the social care system alone can feel overwhelming. Local authority support may be unavailable, and trying to understand your needs, make the right decisions, and find reliable care providers without guidance can be daunting.
That’s where Nellie Supports comes in. As experienced care consultants and registered social workers, we offer a complete end-to-end service that guides self-funders through every stage of the care journey—from initial assessment through to planning, organising care, and reviewing it regularly to make sure it remains right for you.
Whether you’re arranging care for yourself or supporting a loved one, we provide independent, professional advice and hands-on support tailored to your individual situation.
Step 1: Social Care Needs Assessment
A social care needs assessment is the essential first step in arranging care. Our assessments are holistic, therapeutic, and fully compliant with the Care Act 2014. Unlike standard local authority assessments, our independent evaluations are designed to support your choices and give you control over your future care.
We take time to understand every aspect of your life, including your physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, environment, and future goals. You are the expert in your own life—we simply provide the professional structure to understand your needs clearly and comprehensively.
Common reasons people choose a private assessment include:
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Planning for future care
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Providing evidence for EHCPs or Continuing Healthcare appeals
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Informing legal proceedings or professional decision-making
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Gaining peace of mind through an accurate, impartial understanding of needs
Step 2: Care Planning
Once we understand your needs, we work with you to co-produce a personalised care plan. This plan outlines how your needs will be met, whether through care services, equipment, lifestyle adjustments, or informal support. It’s your blueprint for independent living with the right support in place.
Your care plan will:
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Clearly document assessed needs
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Describe preferred outcomes and goals
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Identify services and supports required
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Highlight relevant benefits or funding you may be entitled to
We involve you (and anyone you wish) at every stage. Whether you're planning for a gradual increase in support, a full-time live-in carer, or just a few hours per week, we tailor the plan to fit your preferences.
Step 3: Care Brokerage
Finding the right care provider can be one of the most stressful parts of arranging support. As your care brokers, we take on the time-consuming and complex work of sourcing and arranging high-quality care that fits your needs and values.
We:
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Research and vet care agencies and residential providers
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Shortlist appropriate options based on your preferences
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Support interviews or visits with providers
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Liaise with service providers to get care started
Whether you're looking for hourly support at home, overnight carers, residential care, or specialist services, we ensure every aspect is matched to your expectations.
Care brokerage is also invaluable when:
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Arranging care after hospital discharge
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Supporting Court of Protection or solicitor-instructed placements
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Navigating care funding disputes with local authorities
Step 4: Ongoing Care Review
Our involvement doesn’t end once care is in place. Needs change over time, and care should adapt with them. Regular reviews help ensure the support remains effective, safe, and aligned with your goals.
Our social care reviews:
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Check that your care plan still meets your needs
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Identify emerging risks before they become crises
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Update involved parties (family, Power of Attorney, professional deputies)
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Recommend changes or enhancements as required
These reviews are particularly important for:
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Older adults whose health may fluctuate
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People with progressive conditions
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Families or deputies managing care from a distance
Whether you need help with one stage or the full journey, we're here to guide you with care, professionalism, and compassion.
Case Study: Supporting a Family Left Waiting – Person-Centred Care for a Client with Alzheimer’s Dementia
Mrs. T, a woman in her late 60s living with Alzheimer’s dementia, had been waiting more than four months for her local authority to complete a social care needs assessment. Despite repeated follow-ups, no progress had been made. Concerned for her mother’s safety and wellbeing, her daughter, who holds Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for both Health & Welfare and Property & Finance contacted Nellie Supports for help.
Within days, one of our qualified social care professionals visited the family at home. The assessment was carried out in a compassionate, respectful manner, involving both Mrs. T and her husband, with her daughter actively supporting and contributing throughout the process.
Following the assessment, we produced a bespoke care plan designed to meet Mrs. T’s current and evolving needs. The plan addressed cognitive decline, mobility concerns, and safety issues within the home environment. We recommended the use of assistive technologies such as fall sensors, door alarms, and discreet CCTV for passive monitoring, solutions that helped maintain independence while reducing risk.
With a clear plan in place, we took on the task of coordinating the necessary care services. We arranged high-quality domiciliary care from a reputable provider, aligned with the family’s preferences and Mrs. T’s routines. We also ensured clear communication between all involved parties and assisted with fee negotiation and scheduling.
Two weeks after implementation, we carried out a thorough review of the care arrangements. Feedback from the family and the care provider was overwhelmingly positive, and Mrs. T was adapting well to the new support.
However, during our one-month review, it became clear that while physical care needs were well managed, Mrs. T was experiencing some social isolation. In response, we recommended and arranged additional support in the form of a local dementia-friendly day centre. This addition provided vital stimulation and improved her sense of wellbeing, while offering valuable respite for her husband.
“After waiting so long for the council and getting nowhere, Nellie Supports changed everything. We now feel confident Mum is safe, cared for, and still able to enjoy her day-to-day life.”
Need Advice?
Not sure which service you need? Contact us to speak to our client liason team the same working day. We’re here to help you find the right support.
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Why Choose Nellie Supports?
Choosing the right professionals to assess mental capacity is vital. At Nellie Supports, we combine expertise, empathy, and efficiency to make the process as smooth as possible. Our multidisciplinary team includes registered social workers, nurses, and specialists who bring decades of combined experience in capacity law and practice. Every assessment is conducted with compassion and clarity, always tailored to the person’s unique circumstances.
Experience peace of mind with our comprehensive social work services at Nellie Supports. Our team of registered and experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. From mental capacity assessments to a wide range of social work services—such as EHCP appeals, life expectancy reports, and ongoing consultancy—our experts ensure accurate evaluations, personalised guidance, and the highest standards of practice.
We understand how important these decisions are, whether you’re planning for the future or responding to urgent legal requirements. That’s why our reports are consistently prepared to the highest standards, fully compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and accepted by courts and solicitors across England and Wales.
With a 4.9-star rating from clients nationwide, prompt response times, and a commitment to clear communication at every step, Nellie Supports is trusted by families, deputies, and professionals alike.
